Rallying call for hospice's fundraising garden party

MANORLANDS is gearing up for one of its biggest single annual fundraising events.

And bosses at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice are issuing a rallying call for public support.

The garden party, being held this Sunday in the grounds of the Keighley Road hospice, has brought in about £380,000 since it was first staged 38 years ago.

Now, with the Sue Ryder centre having to raise more than £1.6 million a year to provide its invaluable services for people with life-limiting illnesses, the need for cash has become acute.

This year's garden party – which will be opened by West Yorkshire Deputy Lieutenant David Pearson - also celebrates the hospice's 40th anniversary.

Event organiser Hayley Ibbotson, a Manorlands-based regional fundraiser, said: "We are hoping for another successful garden party, which will raise vital funds for the hospice.

‘We're delighted that David, a local Deputy Lieutenant, will be opening the event on behalf of the Queen – it's a real privilege, particularly in our anniversary year.

"We hope to see lots of people come along to celebrate our 40th year of providing incredible care in the local community."

Mr Pearson, of Haworth, said he was delighted to be performing the opening ceremony.

“Since I was gazetted as a Deputy Lieutenant in December last year I seem to have done nothing but meet people and organisations who quietly do so much for this country and its people – it is very humbling," he added.

"I really cannot put into words the pleasure that it gives me to be able to do this small thing for Manorlands if in any way it helps them to continue with their outstanding work.”

Following the success of last year's garden party, which raised about £13,000, the same 1940s theme is being replicated.

Haworth Home Guard will be present to add some authenticity.

The extravaganza, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, will feature a wide range of attractions.

There will be live entertainment, hook-a-duck, a coconut shy, miniature donkeys, a raffle, tombola, refreshments and stalls selling books, cakes, plants, home produce, bric-a-brac, linens, crafts and jewellery.